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Q. What are your thoughts on reaching a Grand Slam quarterfinal this year?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I never thought it would be so exciting (smiling). Yeah! It feels good. Obviously I don't want this to end. But I'm just happy that I'm able to be performing a little better at the end of the year.

Q. What do you think is different about you and your game at this point?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I'm playing a little better I think than I was in the beginning of the year. I'm also a little more relaxed. I think I played really well in Brisbane. I didn't play well again until I think maybe Cincinnati. So just being more consistent.

Q. What do you think is the reason for that, for not being relaxed during the first part of the year?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, you know, I'm a perfectionist, I always want to be the best, do the best. I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well, particularly in the slams, to do really well. Had a couple nagging injuries that definitely didn't help. But other than that it was just that. Now I'm more relaxed. I feel like I don't have to win any more. I've had a wonderful career. Tennis has given me so much, things I would have never expected in my life. I feel honored to even be a part of such a wonderful sport. So I think ultimately that really helps me to be able to be more relaxed.

Q. Did anything happen that gave you a different perspective?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I just, you know, have been trying to see bigger picture kind of thing.

Q. What do you like best about this wonderful sport?

SERENA WILLIAMS: So many opportunities of traveling. I probably never would have ever traveled like this. I get to go to China and Europe and Australia and all these other places. I've been to India and Africa. I probably never would have been to those places before, so it's really, really awesome.

Q. What was your thought with the swinging volley?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I didn't want to hit it. I was like, These are the shots Venus usually takes in doubles. Where is Venus when you need her? You could tell I didn't want to hit it. I was like, Should I let it bounce? I was like, Let it bounce, let it bounce. Pride got the best of me. I was like, Take it out of the air. I don't think I even hit it, so...

Q. Was it something that stayed with you?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, it didn't throw me off. I was just wishing Venus took that shot.

Q. The draw has opened up here quite a lot on the women's side. Is that something that surprises you at all or it's just sort of you always expect the unexpected?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, you never expect -- you don't expect anything. I don't have any expectations. I just am here to focus on my match and hopefully do what I can do, and that's it.

Q. Other than both going for an 18th major, what similarities are there, if any, between you and Roger Federer, and what are the biggest differences that you see?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Wow. Roger and I, we both have such a passion for the game. We've been playing for a really long time. We both just love the sport. You can tell when he plays that he loves the sport. I think that's something that we both have in common.

Q. How about in style of play, what are the biggest differences?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I don't have a one-hander backhand, and he does.

Q. Anything else?

SERENA WILLIAMS: There's obviously so many different things. I think you're better off to answer that one.

Q. I know you work hard and run a lot on the court. I've seen some stats that say you actually run less per point than a lot of other top players. What do you think about that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: That's great. I'm not at an age where I want to be running a lot. It's wonderful to hear. Yeah, no, I don't need to be running 20 miles. I can and I have and I'm able to run really fast, as we all know. I can run down any ball on the court. But, hey, if I don't have to move as much, that's fine with me, too.

Q. Flavia is for the fifth time in the quarterfinals of the US Open.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Wow.

Q. When she plays you, she never wins. She has won only one set in five matches. Why? Okay, you're stronger, but other reasons why you beat her so easily all the time?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I don't think I have easy matches against her. I think she plays really well. I think the older she gets the better she plays, to be honest. It is not an easy matchup for me. We played in Cincinnati. I won. But she played well.

Q. 6-2, 6-2.

SERENA WILLIAMS: But she played well. This is a new week. She obviously learned a lot from that experience and she's going to come out ready to fire and to play again.

Q. She will beat you when she will be 34?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Is she 34?

Q. No, 32.
SERENA WILLIAMS: Okay, so...

Q. You spoke about Milos Raonic's sleeve. Can you tell us your thoughts about it.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I told him a long time ago I would like to say that I was the first to tell him, because I told him in Miami, that I loved his sleeve. Anyone else that's saying it is officially copying me.

Q. A lot of celebrity fans. One of them is Spike Lee. I asked him what is the first thing he thinks about when I say tennis, and he said, Serena Williams.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I've known Spike for many years. We always have dinner. He has a house down the street from mine in Palm Beach. I sometimes go over there and we eat dinner. We play tennis together. He's super intense. He wants me to play as hard as I can. I'm like, Spike, are you sure? I mean, C'mon. He's such a great person. I love his kids. We all just get along.

Q. Your friendship with Caroline Wozniacki, has it grown more since the last few months or maybe we just didn't see it as much earlier?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think a little bit of both. It's definitely grown. We always have been friends, but it's definitely grown a lot. You know, we love each other, but at the same time we want to win. It's an interesting friendship and unique. I think it will last way past tennis, which I think is great.

Q. What is the story with the woman you handed over the ball to today?

SERENA WILLIAMS: She had on my outfit. I was like, She should definitely get a ball.

Q. Did you spot her right after?

SERENA WILLIAMS: After the match I did. During the match, I didn't. I saw a couple people with my outfit on. But she was the one who got it.

Q. Wondering whether you saw any of the Sharapova/Wozniacki match yesterday.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I was playing doubles. I was nervous. I told Caroline that I couldn't watch. Then when I came after the doubles, they were still playing. I was like, I got to shower. Yeah, so I didn't really see much.

Q. You're close with her. What are your thoughts on her getting sort of back to this level?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's good for her. I know she's been working really hard. I know she's been doing a lot. It's paying off. I think it's great. We've all worked very hard. Sometimes it takes a little longer for the results to come. I think the results this summer have finally been coming for her.

Q. Errani/Wozniacki, how do you see it?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Do you ever ask a question that doesn't involve an Italian player (smiling)?

Q. I'm Italian.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Okay. Well, they're both really good fighters and they both play well and they both run fast. I actually think it will be an extremely interesting match to watch. I think Caroline has a good opportunity to win the match. But I think Errani surprised us all. She beat Venus, who has been playing really well. We'll see. It will be interesting.

Q. Talking about Venus, you hang out together at home. Is there anything in particular that you enjoy doing with her, the sister thing?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I think our best thing we like to do is just talk. Not gossip talk, just talk.

Q. You talked about traveling. Whether it's traveling at a tournament or here in New York, what does it mean to have Chip supporting you?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Actually we need a little time apart. He's been annoying lately. He cries. I think he's talking to me and I don't quite understand him. It's really stressing me out a little bit. I had to send him to his auntie's room yesterday to give me a little break. Hopefully he'll be better.

Q. Belinda Bencic is into the quarters, the youngest player in 20 years to do so. Do you think it's good to have a teenager back in the mix?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think it's great. I think she can go all the way. But, yeah, it's really good to see her doing well. She's an amazingly nice, beautiful person both inside and out. I really like her. I just think it's good for tennis. She's extremely exciting to watch. I love watching her play.

Q. Does Chip step up his game during slams?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Chip and I need to take some time apart. He might have a sleep-over tonight with his auntie. His mommy needs a break.

Q. What are your thoughts on reaching a Grand Slam quarterfinal this year?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I never thought it would be so exciting (smiling). Yeah! It feels good. Obviously I don't want this to end. But I'm just happy that I'm able to be performing a little better at the end of the year.

Q. What do you think is different about you and your game at this point?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I'm playing a little better I think than I was in the beginning of the year. I'm also a little more relaxed. I think I played really well in Brisbane. I didn't play well again until I think maybe Cincinnati. So just being more consistent.

Q. What do you think is the reason for that, for not being relaxed during the first part of the year?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, you know, I'm a perfectionist, I always want to be the best, do the best. I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well, particularly in the slams, to do really well. Had a couple nagging injuries that definitely didn't help. But other than that it was just that. Now I'm more relaxed. I feel like I don't have to win any more. I've had a wonderful career. Tennis has given me so much, things I would have never expected in my life. I feel honored to even be a part of such a wonderful sport. So I think ultimately that really helps me to be able to be more relaxed.

Q. Did anything happen that gave you a different perspective?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I just, you know, have been trying to see bigger picture kind of thing.

Q. What do you like best about this wonderful sport?

SERENA WILLIAMS: So many opportunities of traveling. I probably never would have ever traveled like this. I get to go to China and Europe and Australia and all these other places. I've been to India and Africa. I probably never would have been to those places before, so it's really, really awesome.

Q. What was your thought with the swinging volley?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I didn't want to hit it. I was like, These are the shots Venus usually takes in doubles. Where is Venus when you need her? You could tell I didn't want to hit it. I was like, Should I let it bounce? I was like, Let it bounce, let it bounce. Pride got the best of me. I was like, Take it out of the air. I don't think I even hit it, so...

Q. Was it something that stayed with you?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, it didn't throw me off. I was just wishing Venus took that shot.

Q. The draw has opened up here quite a lot on the women's side. Is that something that surprises you at all or it's just sort of you always expect the unexpected?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, you never expect -- you don't expect anything. I don't have any expectations. I just am here to focus on my match and hopefully do what I can do, and that's it.

Q. Other than both going for an 18th major, what similarities are there, if any, between you and Roger Federer, and what are the biggest differences that you see?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Wow. Roger and I, we both have such a passion for the game. We've been playing for a really long time. We both just love the sport. You can tell when he plays that he loves the sport. I think that's something that we both have in common.

Q. How about in style of play, what are the biggest differences?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I don't have a one-hander backhand, and he does.

Q. Anything else?

SERENA WILLIAMS: There's obviously so many different things. I think you're better off to answer that one.

Q. I know you work hard and run a lot on the court. I've seen some stats that say you actually run less per point than a lot of other top players. What do you think about that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: That's great. I'm not at an age where I want to be running a lot. It's wonderful to hear. Yeah, no, I don't need to be running 20 miles. I can and I have and I'm able to run really fast, as we all know. I can run down any ball on the court. But, hey, if I don't have to move as much, that's fine with me, too.

Q. Flavia is for the fifth time in the quarterfinals of the US Open.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Wow.

Q. When she plays you, she never wins. She has won only one set in five matches. Why? Okay, you're stronger, but other reasons why you beat her so easily all the time?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I don't think I have easy matches against her. I think she plays really well. I think the older she gets the better she plays, to be honest. It is not an easy matchup for me. We played in Cincinnati. I won. But she played well.

Q. 6-2, 6-2.

SERENA WILLIAMS: But she played well. This is a new week. She obviously learned a lot from that experience and she's going to come out ready to fire and to play again.

Q. She will beat you when she will be 34?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Is she 34?

Q. No, 32.
SERENA WILLIAMS: Okay, so...

Q. You spoke about Milos Raonic's sleeve. Can you tell us your thoughts about it.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I told him a long time ago I would like to say that I was the first to tell him, because I told him in Miami, that I loved his sleeve. Anyone else that's saying it is officially copying me.

Q. A lot of celebrity fans. One of them is Spike Lee. I asked him what is the first thing he thinks about when I say tennis, and he said, Serena Williams.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I've known Spike for many years. We always have dinner. He has a house down the street from mine in Palm Beach. I sometimes go over there and we eat dinner. We play tennis together. He's super intense. He wants me to play as hard as I can. I'm like, Spike, are you sure? I mean, C'mon. He's such a great person. I love his kids. We all just get along.

Q. Your friendship with Caroline Wozniacki, has it grown more since the last few months or maybe we just didn't see it as much earlier?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think a little bit of both. It's definitely grown. We always have been friends, but it's definitely grown a lot. You know, we love each other, but at the same time we want to win. It's an interesting friendship and unique. I think it will last way past tennis, which I think is great.

Q. What is the story with the woman you handed over the ball to today?

SERENA WILLIAMS: She had on my outfit. I was like, She should definitely get a ball.

Q. Did you spot her right after?

SERENA WILLIAMS: After the match I did. During the match, I didn't. I saw a couple people with my outfit on. But she was the one who got it.

Q. Wondering whether you saw any of the Sharapova/Wozniacki match yesterday.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I was playing doubles. I was nervous. I told Caroline that I couldn't watch. Then when I came after the doubles, they were still playing. I was like, I got to shower. Yeah, so I didn't really see much.

Q. You're close with her. What are your thoughts on her getting sort of back to this level?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's good for her. I know she's been working really hard. I know she's been doing a lot. It's paying off. I think it's great. We've all worked very hard. Sometimes it takes a little longer for the results to come. I think the results this summer have finally been coming for her.

Q. Errani/Wozniacki, how do you see it?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Do you ever ask a question that doesn't involve an Italian player (smiling)?

Q. I'm Italian.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Okay. Well, they're both really good fighters and they both play well and they both run fast. I actually think it will be an extremely interesting match to watch. I think Caroline has a good opportunity to win the match. But I think Errani surprised us all. She beat Venus, who has been playing really well. We'll see. It will be interesting.

Q. Talking about Venus, you hang out together at home. Is there anything in particular that you enjoy doing with her, the sister thing?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I think our best thing we like to do is just talk. Not gossip talk, just talk.

Q. You talked about traveling. Whether it's traveling at a tournament or here in New York, what does it mean to have Chip supporting you?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Actually we need a little time apart. He's been annoying lately. He cries. I think he's talking to me and I don't quite understand him. It's really stressing me out a little bit. I had to send him to his auntie's room yesterday to give me a little break. Hopefully he'll be better.

Q. Belinda Bencic is into the quarters, the youngest player in 20 years to do so. Do you think it's good to have a teenager back in the mix?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think it's great. I think she can go all the way. But, yeah, it's really good to see her doing well. She's an amazingly nice, beautiful person both inside and out. I really like her. I just think it's good for tennis. She's extremely exciting to watch. I love watching her play.

Q. Does Chip step up his game during slams?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Chip and I need to take some time apart. He might have a sleep-over tonight with his auntie. His mommy needs a break.

Q. You seemed to be operating in the fullness of your gifts tonight. What was different about the match? You seemed extremely focused and powerful and everything we're accustomed to from your game.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, tonight I was just trying to do what I have been working on in practice. She was playing really well and she was playing, you know, very aggressive. So I had to just step up my level of game, as well.

Q. After the slow start, how much did all the matches you played this year and the time you put in help you sort of get out of that sluggish beginning?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It definitely helped. I was thinking that, you know, I'm down two breaks? But I was -- you know, I felt like it's not the end of the world. You can just win one game at a time. That's all I tried to do.

Q. Match play sort of help you with that mentality?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I definitely think match play helps me out a lot getting into that mentality, getting into the groove, and getting back, you know, just getting back in things. I think it was really able to help me out, and I think at the at the end of the day was able to come back from that and get going.

Q. Flavia says it was a match of great level. Do you agree with that? She thinks she plays well, too.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think she played really well. I think every time I play her she gets better. This is definitely the best she's played me. I really had to step up my game. You know, I really had to step up my game. That's why I was down Love-3. She came out really strong and really hard. It was a very, very good game for her.

Q. How do you feel about playing Makarova? Talk a little bit about the lefty factor, the spins and stuff like that. Are you a little concerned about this match?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I have played two lefties already and I often practice with Varvara. She's a lefty. I think that's been good for me, so I'm ready for the lefty. I think it will be a good match. She's beaten me before. I am obviously going to go in there and just try to do the best I can.

Q. How good l Serena Williams have been if she was left handed?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Gosh, I always ask my dad why wasn't I a lefty? Even when I was younger I wanted to be lefty. I could have been really good. (Smiling.)

Q. How many slams?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. Who knows? I don't know. But lefties are just so cool. I just love lefties. Maybe it's just a hangup I have. We'll never know.

Q. Does it feel like familiar territory now? You have been in the semis more than 20 times in a major. With the struggles you have had, does it still feel like, you know, you have to keep relearning how to take these steps or does it feel like riding a bike once you get to this point?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. Absolutely for me it's just about every day is a new day. You never know. Especially for me this year, you never know what can happen. I take everything very seriously as it comes.

Q. You had that medical timeout in doubles. It didn't look like there was anything with your ankle today. Where is it?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, I just was running and I hit a ball behind me. I just landed funny on it. I just needed to retape because the tape had gotten a little loose. That was all.

Q. You say that every day is different. Actually, seeing you serving in doubles the other day, seeing you today, it's a completely different story. Know why that happens?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know.

Q. Do you have an explanation?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. I served good in doubles and I served so many double faults. I don't know. Maybe it was for the best. Who knows?

Q. What do you remember most about the match you referenced when you lost to Makarova, and what are your thoughts about the specifics of playing her?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, Makarova moves well. She doesn't care who she plays, she gives 100%. Those types of players are often difficult to play because it makes them better. Like I say, she moves well. She has that serve that can hit -- that can go out wide or you never know where it's going to go. She's has a great backhand and she's improved her forehand. It's going to be interesting for me to do the best that I can, because, you know, she has a lot of momentum going into this match as well.

Q. You haven't lost to that many people, and you talk about learning so much from awful your losses. Do you think you could name all -- not right now, but in general -- name all of the people that you have lost to?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. (Smiling.)

Q. Every one of them?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Probably. If I sat down and thought about it, probably.

Q. You talk a lot about being more relaxed at this tournament and everything is kind of gravy. You don't really need to win anymore, but how do you turn off the pressure?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, it's so easy now because it's almost a joke for me because I have done little to no winning in the majors. And now I thought, Take it as a joke. Oh, my God, I'm past the fourth round. Woo. Like, Yeah, I was joking. I better play doubles just in case I don't make it past the second round. At least I have a backup plan. I think that definitely has been able to help me to relax, as well. You know, and also realizing that I don't have to win anymore. Everything now is just extra. So then that also helps, as well.

Q. You are the lone American at the end of the tournament. Does it feel weird at this stage of your tournament to still end up as the one holding up the banner for the USA?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It never felt weird, but it feels good. I'm glad it's me, per se, if I'm the only one. Not to be selfish or anything, but obviously I love winning, for lack of a better word.

Q. Makarova likes to say that she's in the shadow, that she likes being low profile. You're not exactly low profile.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah.

Q. Do you enjoy being high profile?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I understand Makarova, especially when I was coming back. It was like I was definitely more low profile. I called myself a dangerous floater. It's fun almost because no one expects anything from you and you have no pressure and you can just play so well. But you have to be able to -- if she continues to win, you know, she won't be low profile. I think for more of a top player, she's beaten so many top 10 players, she's definitely not low profile for us. So once we step on that court we just know that she's a player, you know, that you cannot take lightly.

Q. If you would, can you talk about the joys of being high profile and getting some pretty good perks and access and meeting people? Is that something you still get a big kick out of?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I'm an extremely shy individual, so whenever I meet people I kind of freeze up or I don't really talk. I don't know how that comes across, but I actually kind of -- I always try to stay in the background. Somehow people are always putting me in the front, but I'm always the one that's like walking in the back or behind people. So, no, it's not my thing, actually.

Q. You made some cat noises at the end of a few interviews. Is it like a costume? Do you feel like a sort of wildcat out there?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, but I feel like when we players, we play, we play in our outfits. It is our moment to shine; it is our chance. We obviously, so to say, get dressed up to play, you know. Each of our sponsors -- Nike has done an incredible job with designing some wonderful outfits for me. So, yeah, I just love leopard print.

Q. How satisfied are you with your level this far and particularly today's match?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I'm okay, you know. (Smiling.) I'm okay. Obviously I want to do better. Hopefully I can. Hopefully I can play two more matches. Hopefully I can win two more matches.

Q. What are your thoughts on the Miami Dolphins this season?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I always say, Fins up. We'll see. I'll make some games later in the year.

Q. What does the number 18 mean to you?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It means a lot. It means legal to do some things. (Laughter.) It also means legendary. Legal and legendary. Nice age.

Q. Are you both?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Oh, yeah, I'm definitely legal. Legendary? I don't know. I'm just Serena.

Q. Do you have a dream about the week without having to sign any autographs?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, sometimes I get a little stressed out. I just like to stay in my room and just be away from everything because I don't want to, like -- you know, everyone's always so... But when I'm out I feel like I have that responsibility to my fans to sign and to please, so that's why I say I'm more or less -- I always kind of stay inside. You rarely see me out.

Q. Chris Evert has been asking you a lot about history, number 18. Do you think she's kind of trying to get in your head a little bit?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Maybe. (Smiling.) No, she's a big supporter and I'm a big fan. We both just really, really support each other.

Q. What are the one or two losses that you learned the most from in your career?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. I have to think about it. Definitely I learned a lot from one this year. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, but definitely learned a lot from that. But I don't know. I learned a lot from -- in 1998 I played Sanchez in the French Open, and I really believe I should have won that match. I was up, and, you know, I didn't take a chance. That's life in general. Sometimes you have to take chances.

Q. Should Venus have beaten Sanchez in Oakland?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. She was younger. It was her first tournament. Probably not. But I should have when I played.

Q. How happy are you with the result and with an opportunity to face Caroline in the finals, a good friend?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I'm just really excited to be in the final. In the beginning of the week I definitely wasn't sure I would make it this long. Definitely wasn't sure I'd be here. So I'm just elated, to be honest, to have made it this far.

Q. You made good on your promise to Chrissie Evert to not...

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I thought about her today. I'm like, I can't start slow.

Q. After Wimbledon there were questions. I don't know, we were questioning you and you'd had three bad slams, going out early. What happened then and what's happening now? How did you turn around? Was there any doubt in your mind you could?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, there's always -- what is the word, skeptics? I don't know. I'm losing my mind. Anyways, that people might write or people might not believe. I worked really hard for Wimbledon. I worked really, really hard, and I was really disappointed and sad and shocked that I wasn't able to win. I worked hours, more than I worked before. Maybe it's just paying off now.

Q. Are you happy with how you played today? What do you think were the keys to the win?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think I played pretty well today. You know, I was able to change up my game and just keep moving forward and just keep doing what I could do today.

Q. She said she's played you a number of times. She said she was actually taken aback by the fact you were so aggressive. She said she should have expected that but she didn't. Did you really sort of pour it on more so than you have playing her in the past?

SERENA WILLIAMS: To be honest, I don't see it. I don't see myself. Like I hear you and I hear my coach and I hear -- I have to watch it. I didn't see myself being that -- coming to the net and being so aggressive. I have to watch it.

Q. How would you rate that performance today compared to all your matches since Wimbledon and all your matches here?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think every match hopefully I'm getting better. I think I played really well in my quarterfinal minus the slow start. I think I served better in my quarterfinal. With that being said, it's good news knowing I could try to serve better for one more match.

Q. I guess it's fair to say you would trade your five titles for one more win here.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I would trade my five for one?

Q. Five titles this year for one more Grand Slam.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Oh, okay. I was like, let's do the math here. I think I'd rather keep my five US Opens. (Laughter.) Probably. Probably. It's always great to win a Grand Slam. Yeah, I mean, it means a lot to actually win those titles. If I hadn't maybe won those titles, especially the recent ones, I probably wouldn't be in the final. So it's hard to say. Obviously I would much rather win the Grand Slam than the other ones.

Q. What about you and Roger going for the same goals this year?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's amazing to see. We're both making it so far. It would be cool if we did it together. It would really be just an amazing, amazing feat for the both of us.

Q. You have had some close matches with Caroline Wozniacki recently. What do you expect in the final?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I definitely expect another close match. She really knows my game well and knows how to play. She's so consistent. I think that's one of the things that makes her really tough. So I just have to be ready for that and, again, just stay calm and just be able to relax and be happy. You know, the beginning -- the past six months I would never thought I'd be here. I think it's just staying calm and happy.

Q. Caroline said that the two of you looked at the draw and were happy to see each other on the opposite sides and that even before the tournament said, Hey, wouldn't it be great to meet in the final. Would you tell us, is that sort of how it went down and is that something you were hoping for? Is this the final you were really hoping for?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, yeah, I was excited -- I would have loved to have seen Venus there. That goes unsaid. But, yeah, because we played each other a lot recently in like the semis I think, maybe the quarters once. So it was like, Oh, it would be much better to play each other in the final than earlier on. I was just glad we weren't on the same side of the draw this tournament. Of course we were like, That would be great if we could see each other in the final, because we both, you know, hadn't had the greatest Grand Slam year. We were just excited to be there.

Q. Emotionally how was playing a friend, close friend different from like playing your sister?

SERENA WILLIAMS: If I can play Venus, I can play anybody. I grew up with Venus. We actually lived together going on 33 years, which is kind of sad. (Laughter.) So, yeah, if I could play her I feel like I can just play anybody.

Q. What was your initial reaction? What are your thoughts now about Caroline going into the New York Marathon?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I thought it was great. I thought maybe I could run the first best first 5k with her at best. But, you know, max, max. You know, I'm not a long-distance runner at all. I'm definitely more of a sprinter. The long distance has never been my thing. Even growing up I ran track, but I ran the 100. I didn't even run the 400. So, yeah.

Q. What do you make of her, though, as a runner?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think it's great.

Q. How do you think she will do?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think she'll do great. She's been running and training for it. She's doing it for a charity. I think it's such a positive thing to do. I remember she first told me about it I think French Open time. She was like, she was going to do the marathon. I thought, Wow, that's such a great thing. Wow. Really excited for her. It's coming close. End of the season, so it will be a good time to do it and good time to relax. It's great to see someone so awesome just like taking on new challenges and doing it for a good cause.

Q. You mentioned sprinters. There is a pretty good sprinter in the house today, Usain Bolt. Did you see him?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yes, no, of course he was in my box. I actually asked him, Do you think I can sprint? He said, No. I thought, I think I have a good sprinter's body. He's like, No.

Q. So much was made of you and Caroline hanging out in Miami after Paris. Was any part of the discussion like, Let's get it together, let's make a charge, do the hard court?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, not at all. Not even once. We don't never -- we don't never. That is really bad English. I think I need to be done with this interview. We never talk tennis so much since we spend so much of our life on the court. Same with me and Venus. Last thing on our minds is is tennis. If anything, it's to not think about a forehand or a backhand.

Q. You have taken a lot of pressure off yourself in saying, I have accomplished so much I don't need to do anymore. That's hard for us to believe because you are so intense. Now that you smell it and are close to it and it's 18, do you need to win or, you know, can you be satisfied not winning? It's hard to imagine.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, no, it would be hard for me to imagine that I would be happy losing. I won't be. But at the end of the day I think in ten years from now it won't be, Man, I'm still sad about it. I have accomplished a lot, done a lot, not only for the sport but just a lot of things in general. I think I should be happy about that. And I am. When I look at the big picture like that, that helps me. That's the part that helps me to be able to relax and not take it so serious.

Q. (Question regarding the flu.)

SERENA WILLIAMS: Do I sound deep today? Oh, gosh.

Q. At this point in your career are you still working on your game, or has it now moved off to being consistent?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, absolutely still working on it. I think in life you should work on yourself until the day you die. I think why not apply the same thing to your tennis game? Yeah, I'm still working on it.

Q. Early memories of Chrissie or Martina? What are your first memories of those two? Are they in your consciousness?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. I don't know. Definitely remember more Martina than Chris, but I don't know.

Q. Last night both Roger and Gaël talked about the importance that the crowd played in a big match like last night. How has the crowd influenced you in going into a final?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think the crowd plays a big, big importance, I think. And hopefully with being an American, we really want to see this American tennis do well. It's so great to have that opportunity with so many young American players coming up now. It's just so exciting. We have to root, I think, for the home country. I feel like the crowd understands that and they do that, especially throughout the years. It's been wonderful. I, you know, have been really enjoying that lately.

Q. Did you see what happened out there with Peng? What are your thoughts around that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I saw. I was warming up for the match. I was really saddened by it. I was really, really, really saddened by it. She's such a great person. We train sometimes at the same academy. It didn't make me happy at all. You never want to see anyone go out like that. I'm just hoping she's better.

Q. Caroline has had a moment like that. Have you ever had cramping?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I have cramped up a few times. At Wimbledon, incidentally. Remember?

Q. What's it feel like?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's not fun. It hurts like crazy. It hurts like crazy. But I have never had a full-body one like that. I'm not sure what she had, actually. But, yeah, it is not fun. This is why I have my Gatorade. (Laughter.) So I don't cramp up.

Q. The moment really seemed to hit you out on the court there. Was it the No. 18 that really came through to you?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yes, it was definitely the number 18. I have been trying to reach it for so long, since last year. Well, since the beginning of the year. I didn't really think would I get there. I just felt so good.

Q. What does it mean for you overall to be up there with the other great names?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It means a lot to me. You know, I just could never have imagined that I would be mentioned with Chris Evert or with Martina Navratilova, because I was just a kid with a dream and a racquet. Living in Compton, you know, this never happened before. You know, I just never could have imagined that it could have ended -- not ended. I'm just beginning. Well, I'm not beginning, but I could have gotten this far, you know. So it was just -- I think it was -- and then it was eluding me for three tournaments, I guess. But, still that's a lot for me. I was like, you know, really excited to get it.

Q. You never lost more than three games per set in this tournament. By the end, every time you win you seemed so excited, almost unbelievable. How do you explain? They are easy matches or not?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, none of the matches are easy. I mean, even today if I would have lost a game I would have been serving for it. Caroline was returning, starting to play a lot better, starting to return really, really well, and then she started serving really well. So we had longer points and we were running back and forth and back and forth. So it definitely wasn't anything that was easy.

Q. Coming in you downplayed a little bit the fact that this was your last chance at a Grand Slam title this year and that it wasn't that essential, but I'm thinking that you thought it was pretty important to close out a season without a slam.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah.

Q. Now that it's over and you've done it...

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, it feels good. I definitely did not think I was going to win a slam this year. And I even said, I'm ready to start next year already. Let's put this behind me. Oh, I'm embarrassed. I feel really honored and I feel really good. Just almost lost for words. I'm grateful to win a Grand Slam this year. It feels really good.

Q. Congrats, kid.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Thanks.

Q. Among many other things you're an incredible student of this game. You've spoken eloquently about Althea and Venus and Billie Jean. Today you said it was incredible to be in the same league with Chrissie and Martina. You said, Who am I? Could you just take a moment and in your own mind what do you think your achievement is? Where do you think you belong in this history of the game, if you could share with us that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Um, I don't think about it so much because I'm still playing. I'm already looking at maybe No. 19. (Smiling.) So I'm not thinking about it so much as -- I think once you do you become a little satisfied. I have said this before: I don't want to become that. I want to continue to rise and continue to play really hard and do the best that I can.

Q. This certainly is a very exciting, a major exciting moment for you. But outside the world of tennis you have had numerous exciting moments. Anything close to this, or what would be second to this outside of tennis?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Oh, gosh.

Q. Thank you. I know it was a good question.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, it was a really good question. (Laughter). Yikes.

Q. We can come back later on this one.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I haven't had any kids yet, so I would imagine maybe something like that. This is pretty high on my list.

Q. What does this do to you going forward? Weight off your shoulders, 18? Do you feel like now you're a little unburdened? Did you feel like that was weighing on you, slowing you down as you approached this?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It was definitely on my shoulders. It was definitely like, Oh, get there, get there, get there. Now I've gotten there, so now it's a little bit of a relief. Like I said, I got stuck at 13 for a while. I said, I'm going to get over it one day. I don't know when, but I knew it would happen. I didn't know it would happen so soon. But, yeah, I feel really excited.

Q. Can you take us back to after Wimbledon and what your mindset was then after another early loss at a Grand Slam tournaments? Did you think at all how you wanted to change things?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, just after Wimbledon I was just so disappointed. Because like I said, I worked so hard. Six hours literally just training, training, training, nonstop. After that, I thought, Well, maybe I shouldn't train so much because the results aren't coming. Maybe I should just, you know, try something new. I just went away for a week and a half and I didn't practice as much. I practiced, but I didn't practice as long. I made sure I hit every day. At that moment I also realized I just needed to relax a little more. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I don't have to put pressure on myself, because like I said, I don't have to win another title. I always have my little 18 bracelet now. I'm good to go. (Smiling.)

Q. Some athletes are really particular. The earlier point about satisfaction, about not keeping their accomplishments around them, like in their house or anything like that. Are you the same way? If so, where do you keep all this?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, I'm not that way. I don't necessarily want to become satisfied by saying I've done this or I have done that. But as for my trophies, I definitely keep them around, but not like on display or anything. I'm not that person that just shows off my trophies like that. They're a little bit everywhere.

Q. You have talked about growing up as a kid in Compton who had a dream and a racquet. What were some of those early dreams you had about playing tennis?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Oh, to win the US Open. Yeah, that was my dream, to win the US Open. Every time I win here it's just really incredible special moment for me.

Q. You have now won it more than anyone with your sixth win. How does that feel?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It feels great. I never thought I would have won this one six times, because I won Australian five times and Wimbledon five times. I think I only won the Open like three times; now it jumped to six. Yeah, it's really pretty cool.

Q. Caroline said that perhaps after the first three majors you wanted to prove something to yourself, and that it showed in the way you played this summer and at the US Open. What do you think you have proven to yourself after the first three majors and then the rest of this season?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I think if anything I have proven that I can play a lot of matches. I have played a lot of matches in the past five weeks. I think I have proven I have the discipline to just be able to go in and out and just perform in every match and every tournament that I play and just give 100%. I was doing that so well, so well last year, and I wasn't able to do it as much. Even though I tried just as hard, I just wasn't able to do it as well this year. So it was good to get that feeling back.

Q. And then in the success here at the Open, did you prove anything else to yourself?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I really had no expectations coming into this US Open. My goal was just to get past the third round, maybe the fourth round, because it was just really difficult for me in the majors. My goal was just to win some matches.

Q. So what are your plans for the winnings?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I have a really good uncle that I love a lot. I always say this. (Laughter.) His name is Uncle Sam. I think I'm going to give him a lot of it.

Q. Tell me what the bracelet says on it.

SERENA WILLIAMS: It just has the number 18.

Q. Where does that rank in your jewelry collection?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, I don't really have like a tremendous amount of jewelry, to be honest. Yeah, I don't really have a lot of jewelry. So this is good. This will be something -- I'll see if I can play with it. I'm not sure if I can. It's pretty cool.

Q. Caroline is a class act and a good friend. What was it like to come out and play someone across the net that you have feelings for, so to speak?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's definitely not easy, you know, but I think we both wanted to win this. We both wanted to do the best that we could. And like I say, I've play against Venus, so I think that helped me a lot to be able to -- if I can play against her, I can really handle anything at this point.

Q. What you accomplished certainly is an amazing feat, but also what Venus has accomplished is quite amazing. When the two of you get together and you're looking at one another, what kind of conversations and what kind of feelings are exchanged? Can you believe what the hell you two have done together with this game? Excuse me.

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, that's fine.

Q. What happens?

SERENA WILLIAMS: We just say that -- we say things like we deserved this win because we worked hard, but we don't really -- I think we'll have those conversation when we retire, and hopefully that will be a long time from now. Right now we just really want to be in there. We want to win matches. We want to win titles. We want to do really well. We just don't talk about that right now.

Q. Many congratulations. You have been such an inspiration for so many young Americans. Where do you see yourself kind of going the next season?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, well, the next season I feel like hopefully I can just be -- try to be more consistent and give 100%. I gave my 100% this year, and that's all I can do. Once I know I tried as hard as I can, that's all I can do.

Q. Patrick said he doesn't really need to motivate you that much because you're very motivated yourself. That you like to play. You like to practice. You still have the belief that you can win more majors. Is that how you feel?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yes, absolutely. I might be too motivated. I train really hard and I never want to stop. Then sometimes I ask Patrick, Is this normal? He says, No, it's not normal. Because I didn't think so. Tell me I'm not crazy. He's like, You are. (Laughter).

Q. How has your relationship with this tournament changed? It was the first one you won. Obviously you had some down moments here. Now it's the most you have had of any of the slams. Talk about that journey with the US Open.

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's great. It's been great. First one I have won. It's always been special and the one that's been my dream to win. It's always just been super special for me.

Q. Similarly, you have done so well in Melbourne; you love Paris, the wins there. Center court is really special. How can you compare these different jewels? What's the different feelings?

SERENA WILLIAMS: The feeling is the crowd here is unbelievable. It really is a great crowd here. It feels so good to have the support of the crowd and hear the roar. It's like no other roar at any stadium like the one on Arthur Ashe Stadium. It's a great feeling. I think it's my favorite feeling.

Q. Americans are loud?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, they're just the best.

Q. You said 18 was a burden, so I will be the first to ask: Are you thinking about 22?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I am thinking about 19, which I'm kind of disappointed. Hasn't even been three hours and I'm already -- I have already mentioned 19. Oh, gosh. So, yeah, but not 22. I'm taking it one at a time. (Smiling.)

Q. Forgetting about the numbers, what about that mythical title, greatest of all time? To what degree do you hear people saying that and how does it affect you?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I have heard it, obviously, but I don't think about it. Like I said, I'm just a simple individual who just wants to win titles and wants to play tennis. I want to do really well and I love the game. The reason I play is to sit at the end of the day and hold the trophy or stand and hold the trophy. For me, that's my joys.

Q. How do you think this particular match went? It seemed like the beginning was tough for both of you. How do you think your game developed?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think in the beginning it was definitely a little tough, but I just -- and I know Caroline. She did so well and she was fighting so hard. That's one thing I love about her and love about her game. And also just her spirit off the court. She is just a fighter and she never gives up. I think the match was -- I think we may have been a little nervous in the beginning. But, you know, after that we kind of settled down and started playing some good tennis.

Q. This is kind of a fun question: What do you do when this match is over and (indiscernible)?

SERENA WILLIAMS: That's a question I'm still trying to answer, because I swear I don't know. The time goes so fast. And Venus, she gets in and out so fast. I'm like, we're doing the same thing, but for whatever reason I think the clock works different with me. That's the only thing I can come up with.

Q. When some of us write that you're at the top of your level and you cannot be beaten, do you agree with that or not?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, I do. I always said that when I'm playing my best --

Q. -- nobody can beat you?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I always say it's difficult to beat me because I serve pretty good, I have a pretty good return, I'm pretty fast. If I'm doing all those things combined, you know, it's definitely difficult to win.

Q. Different category?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. I'm not going to say that, but I just think it's definitely not easy to have a victory against me.

Q. Were you playing your best tonight? Second to that, Caroline said that you're buying drinks. Is she going with you to celebrate?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, we're gonna hang out later tonight. I definitely will buy the drinks.

Q. Were you playing your best tonight?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think I played well. I really do. I feel like to get through that with all the nerves and all the expectations and things that could have happened, I think considering the situation, yes, I think I played pretty good.

Q. Pretty good but not your best?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I played pretty good.

Q. This going to be the first time that you'll be with your opponent the night of a final, of a Grand Slam final?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I was going to say, no, it wouldn't be my first time. (Smiling.)

Q. But having fun...

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, maybe. I think so. Yeah.

Q. What makes her so good as a gal pal?

SERENA WILLIAMS: She's funny, she's nice, she's supportive. She's just really, really sweet. You know, she's a sweet person. I think I can kind of take my wall down a little bit with her and I can be who I am. It's nice when you can do that with someone. Yeah, it makes it really nice.

Q. Roger didn't make his goal of 18 and 6. Did that impact you in any way? Make you nervous at all?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Got a little nervous. Thought it wasn't meant to be for us. At least one of us made it.

Q. Have you ever considered to launch any perfume after winning a Grand Slam, like 16, like a sweet 16? Now is 18.

SERENA WILLIAMS: That's a good idea. Never thought of it. Legal 18. (Laughter.) Oh, gosh, okay. On that note, thank you very much.

With her 6-3, 6-3 victory over Caroline Wozniacki in the US Open women's final on Sunday, Serena Williams accomplished the following:

She won her sixth US Open women’s singles title, which ties Chris Evert for the most in the Open era. The all-time record is eight, held by Molla Bjurstedt Mallory (1915-1926).

She won her 18th Grand Slam singles title, which ties Evert and Martina Navratilova for fourth-most in tennis history (behind Margaret Court’s 24, Steffi Graf’s 22 and Helen Wills Moody’s 19) and is second in the Open era (behind only Graf).

She won the US Open without losing a set for the third time in her career (2002, 2008, 2014). That ties the Open era record held by Evert, who accomplished the feat in 1976, 1977 and 1978, though Evert played only six matches – not seven – in 1976 and 1978.

She won the US Open for a third consecutive year. The only other woman to accomplish that in the Open era was Evert, who won four titles in a row from 1975 to 1978.

With her victory on Sunday, she improved to 79-9 at the US Open, an .898 winning percentage that is the best in tournament history for a woman. (Bill Tilden holds the men’s mark at .910.)

She has now won her first and last women’s singles titles 15 years apart. That breaks a tie with Ken Rosewall for the greatest length of time between wins in tournament history. In the Open era, the second-longest time span between wins for a woman’s champion is eight years (Steffi Graf, 1988, 1996).

She matches Billie Jean King for third place in most overall US Open titles in the Open era, with nine. (Serena also won the women’s doubles in 1999 and 2009 and the mixed doubles in 1998). They trail only Martina Navratilova (16) and Margaret Court (10).

Serena Williams came to the 2014 US Open looking to erase the memories of a disappointing Grand Slam season. She departs having made history.

As she had done all tournament, Serena simply dominated on Sunday, dismantling an overmatched Caroline Wozniacki to win her sixth US Open women’s singles title and 18th Grand Slam singles championship. The former matches Chris Evert for the most at the Open in the Open era, and the latter ties Serena with Evert and Martina Navratilova for the fourth-most in tennis history (and second in the Open era, trailing only Steffi Graf’s 22).

In the process, Serena became the first player since herself in 2008 to pitch a perfect tournament – 14 sets played, 14 sets won. In fact, she has now won the Open three times without surrendering a single stanza – apparently she does so every six years, as the first came in 2002 – and she did not even come close during her run this fortnight, dropping just 32 games in her seven matches. She was never extended deeper than 6-3 in any one set during the event.

Bob and Mike Bryan won their 100th doubles title together, a monumental, unprecedented achievement, but there was no question that this Sunday – and this Slam – belonged to Serena Williams.

Here’s a recap of the day that was and a look ahead to Day 15 of the 2014 US Open:

Match of the Day: It felt more like a coronation than a final, so impressive was Serena Williams. At her very best, Serena can dominate a match like no other player in tennis – perhaps in tennis history. And so it was that the greatest player of her generation took her place in the record books with an impressive, imposing, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Caroline Wozniacki in the women’s singles final. No point better illustrated the superiority of her play than at 15-15 in the match’s final game. Wozniacki mixed speeds and spins for 26 shots, tracking down every thumper Serena could offer. But the world No. 1 held firm, firing from the baseline and running the Dane side to side, her power evident and her precision unparalleled. In the end, Wozniacki dumped a backhand into the net, defeated not by lack of effort but by a champion – an 18-time champion at that – at the very top of her game.

Players of the Day: On Sunday, Bob and Mike Bryan made history – three times over. Their 6-3, 6-4 victory over Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez was their fifth US Open men’s doubles title, moving them past the tandem of Bob Lutz and Stan Smith and into sole possession of first place in the Open era record books, and tying them with the 1880s stalwart pairing of James Dwight and Richard Sears for the most U.S. men’s doubles titles all-time. The victory was also the 100th career men’s doubles title for the twins, making them the first men’s team ever to accomplish that feat. And for Bob Bryan, it delivered the ninth US Open title of his career (five men’s doubles, four mixed doubles), sending him past John McEnroe (four singles, four men’s doubles) for the most Open crowns by a man in the Open era. Oh, and for good measure the Bryans extended their own record with a 16th Grand Slam men’s doubles title as they continue to make their case as the greatest doubles team in the history of the game. The case for most-decorated is already closed.

Upsets of the Day: The junior singles draws on Sunday produced a pair of unseeded champions, the first time that has happened since 1981 (when seeding records are fully available), with Australian Omar Jasika winning the boys’ crown and Czech Marie Bouzkova capturing the girls’ title. Jasika was a game from defeat in his match before rallying to top No. 5 seed Quentin Halys, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, while Bouzkova upended No. 9 Anhelenia Kalinina, 6-4, 7-6. The Grand Slam singles titles were the first for both players.

Quote of the Day: “You played better than me and you’re an inspiration on and off the court. You’re an unbelievable friend, and you definitely owe me drinks later!” – Caroline Wozniacki, addressing Serena Williams during the on-court ceremony following the women’s final

Looking Ahead: Upset Saturday yielded the most surprising US Open men’s singles final this century. Given, it’s a young century, but really, who projected a Kei Nishikori versus Marin Cilic final, two Grand Slam final neophytes fighting it out for the toughest title in tennis?

That said, both are most deserving finalists. Nishikori has taken out the No. 5 (Milos Raonic), No. 3 (Stan Wawrinka) and No. 1 seeds (Novak Djokovic) in his last three matches, playing 14 out of a maximum 15 sets to do so. The big question is whether he’ll have the legs for another tough match. Though many thought the same when he faced Djokovic, and Nishikori was clearly the better player in that showdown.

Cilic hasn’t been too shabby himself, eliminating No. 6 Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals and No. 2 Roger Federer in the semifinals – both without dropping a set. Bolstered by a rebuilt serve and his same steady baseline attack, Cilic has surged into his first Grand Slam final playing a confident brand of tennis that harkens back to Juan Martin del Potro’s run to the title here in 2009.

Since the 2005 Australian Open, only del Potro and Wawrinka (2014 Australian Open) have broken through the Big Four to win a Grand Slam title. On Monday, they’ll make way for a third entry.

Top seed Serena Williams joined an elite duo of tennis legends in the 18-time Grand Slam winners club when she defeated Caroline Wozniacki in the United States Open final on Sunday.
While the contest was far from their most exciting battle, the significance behind Williams’ victory added to the occasion.
“I have been trying to reach it for so long, since last year,” Williams revealed following the match. “Well, since the beginning of the year. I didn’t really think would I get there. I just felt so good.”
Williams reflected on her magnificent journey from Compton to Grand Slam great, and expressed her joy for joining the likes of Chris Everts and Martina Navratiolva as an 18-time Major winner.
“It means a lot to me. You know, I just could never have imagined that I would be mentioned with Chris Evert or with Martina Navratilova, because I was just a kid with a dream and a racquet. Living in Compton, you know, this never happened before. You know, I just never could have imagined that it could have ended — not ended. I’m just beginning. Well, I’m not beginning, but I could have gotten this far, you know.
“So it was just — I think it was — and then it was eluding me for three tournaments, I guess. But, still that’s a lot for me. I was like, you know, really excited to get it.”
While she refuses to compare herself to other great players, she made it clear that she is still on the hunt for more Slam titles.
“I don’t think about it so much because I’m still playing,” Serena added. “I’m already looking at maybe No. 19. (Smiling.) So I’m not thinking about it so much as — I think once you do you become a little satisfied. I have said this before: I don’t want to become that. I want to continue to rise and continue to play really hard and do the best that I can.”

Serena Williams saved her up-and-down year by winning the United States Open, her 18th Grand Slam singles title, but she still had work to do after match point.

After a photo shoot with the trophy, Williams held a round-table interview Monday morning at the JPMorgan Chase building in Manhattan.

“It’s a great satisfaction,” Williams said of winning her first major title this year. “I think I would have been incredibly disappointed if I had finished this year and not won at least one Grand Slam.

“And it’s crazy — everyone’s like, ‘Well, Serena hasn’t won a Grand Slam.’ I could name 200 people who haven’t won a Grand Slam as well. But for me, it’s like I have to win a Grand Slam, because everyone expects so much out of me. And I do, too. I definitely do, too. It’s just really good to have won one this year; I was getting nervous.”

Williams got a surprise Monday when she looked at her phone after celebrating with her close friend and final opponent, Caroline Wozniacki.

She stole my phone, and I looked at it this morning,” she said. “All these Instagrams — and I’m not even in half of them. I was like, ‘Really?’ Anyway, I have to talk to her about that. It was fun. We just had a simple dinner — and a phone-stealing session, apparently.”

Williams said the $4 million prize money she earned would keep her construction of a new house on track. Located down the street from the home she previously shared with her sister Venus, it will include a trophy room, a karaoke room and a purse room.

“Very helpful that I was able to win yesterday, because I hadn’t been winning this year, and I thought, let’s shrink it,” she said. “Now I guess I can keep it.”

Having tied Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert by winning her 18th major, Williams was asked if her sights were already set on equaling the Open era record of 22 set by Steffi Graf.

“I did do an interview on court and I did mention No. 19, so I know that’s already in sight,” she said. “I definitely feel like 19 is my goal, not 22. When I get to 19, knowing me, 20 will be my goal. But I’m just taking it one at a time. And there are so many unbelievable players coming up, so I think it’s only going to keep getting harder and harder.”

Williams still has a fall schedule with high stakes. She is the defending champion in Beijing and at the WTA Championships, which begin a five-year stint in Singapore. She is also entered in an inaugural tournament in Wuhan, China, the hometown of third-ranked Li Na.

“I’m in Wuhan, Beijing and the championships,” Williams recounted somewhat wearily. “I have a heavy end of the year to try to get to.”

An Italian reporter seemed distressed by her priorities, and asked her: “What about love?”

“There’s no time for love,” Williams replied. “I’ve got to go to Wuhan.”

John McEnroe and Chris Evert were topping the rankings, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross were topping the charts, and an all-time great was coming into the world.

SAGINAW, MI, USA - September 26, 1981. It was a rainy but warm Saturday in Saginaw, Michigan, and a child who would one day become one of the all-time greatest athletes was coming into the world.

Serena Williams didn't spend all her youth in Michigan by any means - the family moved to Compton, California, where she and her sister Venus would first learn to play tennis, and a few years later they moved to Florida to hone their craft. It wasn't long before they made their professional debuts.

Though she played one match as a 14-year-old in the qualifying of Québec City in 1995, Williams didn't begin playing at the full WTA main draw level until 1997, when - just a few weeks after sister Venus' Cinderella run to the US Open final - she took out Mary Pierce and Monica Seles en route to her first WTA semifinal in Chicago, all the while ranked an extremely misleading No.304 in the world.

Fast forward 17 years later and we're talking 18 Grand Slams, four WTA Finals titles, another 41 WTA titles, 207 weeks at No.1, 13 Grand Slam doubles titles, two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, over $60 million in career prize money - and to top it all off, she's such a dominant World No.1 right now that she has more than one and a half times the ranking points as the current No.2 player in the world.

And it all started on September 26, 1981...

Here are a few throwbacks to that day:
No.1 song on Billboard Hot 100 singles: Endless Love by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
No.1 album on Billboard 200 albums: Tattoo You by The Rolling Stones
No.1 movie at US Box Office: Continental Divide starring John Belushi & Blair Brown
No.1 men's tennis player: John McEnroe
No.1 women's tennis player: Chris Evert

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Serena Williams will hold a run on South Beach next month for runners of all ages and abilities to support her foundation.

The foundation assists underprivileged youngsters and those affected by violent crime.

The quarter marathon, 5K run-walk and kids dash on Dec. 14 will take runners through the popular tourist area. Ocean Drive will be closed to traffic for the start and finish lines. A number of high-profile athletes are expected to participate in the run, which is open to all ages.

Williams won her 18th Grand Slam title at the US Open in September.

ak co roku, Międzynarodowa Federacja Tenisa (ITF) przyznała wyróżnienia dla najlepszych tenisistów i tenisistek sezonu.
Wśród kobiet najlepsza okazała się Serena Williams. Amerykanka, tegoroczna trumfatorka US Open, tytuł mistrzyni świata zdobyła trzeci raz z rzędu i piąty w karierze. - To dla mnie zaszczyt. Ten rok był dla mnie rokiem wyzwań. Chciałam zdobyć kolejny tytuł wielkoszlemowy i obronić pierwszą pozycję w rankingu - powiedziała.

Natomiast Novak Djoković mistrzem świata ITF został wybrany po raz czwarty w karierze. W 2014 roku Serb wygrał Wimbledon, wystąpił w finale Rolanda Garrosa oraz triumfował w kończących sezon Finałach ATP World Tour.
W grze podwójnej mężczyzn tytuł przypadł Bobowi i Mike'owi Bryanom, którzy zdobyli tę nagrodę po raz 11., a w deblu kobiet zwyciężyły Roberta Vinci i Sara Errani.
Mistrzami świata juniorów zostali wybrani Catherine Bellis i Andriej Rublow, zaś wśród tenisistów na wózkach Japonka Yui Kamiji i jej rodak Shingo Kunieda.
- Serena Williams jest jedną z najlepszych tenisistek historii, natomiast Novak Djoković notował świetne wyniki w najważniejszych turniejach. Niezwykłe wyczyny Boba i Mike'a Bryanów są świadectwem ich klasy i determinacji, a Sara Errani i Roberta Vinci pokazały, jak wielkie znaczenie ma praca zespołowa na korcie i poza nim - ocenił prezes ITF Francesco Ricci Bitti.

W wywiadzie dla ESPN Serena Williams opowiedziała jak zmienił się jej tenis na przestrzeni lat oraz wyjawiła, że chce przegonić w liczbie wielkoszlemowych tytułów Steffi Graf.
- Jednym z głównym powodów, dla których wciąż gram w tenisa, są zwycięstwa. To całkiem inne uczucie niż po porażce. Nienawidzę przegrywać - mówiła Serena Williams w rozmowie z 18-krotną mistrzyni wielkoszlemową, Chris Evert.

Mimo 33 lat, Williams wciąż czuje w sobie głód rywalizacji, choć przyznała, że miewa takie dni, iż nie ma ochoty wstać z łóżka. - Myślę, że to normalne, bo przez lata rozegrałam wiele meczów. Ale nie mam zamiaru jeszcze kończyć kariery.

Amerykanka stwierdziła, że ciągle poprawia swój tenis. - Niedawno oglądałem na You Tubie swoje mecze z lat 2009-11 i muszę powiedzieć, że teraz jestem lepszą tenisistką niż wtedy. Lepiej poruszam się po korcie, moja gra wygląda na łatwiejszą. To wymagało wiele pracy.
- Jednak chcę się poruszać jeszcze szybciej, mieć większą dynamikę. I muszę ponownie lepiej serwować. W minionym sezonie byłam rozczarowana moim podaniem, często popełniałam wiele podwójnych błędów, co doprowadzało mnie do szaleństwa. W przyszłym chcę serwować tak, jak w 2013 roku. Jestem perfekcjonistką. Potrafię trenować bez przerwy przez trzy godziny jedno uderzenie - dodała.
Młodsza z sióstr Williams zdobyła 18 tytułów wielkoszlemowych w grze pojedynczej, co stawia ją w jednym rzędzie z Evert i Martiną Navratilovą. Rekordzistką pod tym względem jest Margaret Smith Court, 24-krotna triumfatorka imprez Wielkiego Szlema. Serena wyjawiła, że chce poprawić osiągnięcie Steffi Graf, która ma na koncie 22 wielkoszlemowe mistrzostwa.
- Nie jest tajemnicą, że mam na to apetyt. Mam zamiar dogonić Steffi Graf. Ale teraz koncentruje się na 19. tytule, który będę mogła zdobyć już za miesiąc w Australii. Gdy wywalczę 19. mistrzostwo, będę myślała o 20. - powiedziała 33-latka z Florydy.

Trzy zmiany dokonane w składach poszczególnych reprezentacji na Puchar Hopmana 2015 wywołały pewien niepokój wśród fanów. Na szczęście do Perth przyleci liderka światowego rankingu, Serena Williams.
- Nie mam nawet cienia wątpliwości, że Serena Williams zagra u nas. Oczywiście jej obecność budzi ogromne zainteresowanie, ponieważ ona jest najprawdopodobniej najbardziej znaną sportsmenką na świecie. To wielka gwiazda, a dla nas ogromna atrakcja - powiedział Paul Kilderry, dyrektor Pucharu Hopmana.

Serena Williams będzie mogła zostać pierwszym człowiekiem w historii, który trzykrotnie wygra zawody rozgrywane w Perth. W 2003 roku jej partnerem był James Blake, natomiast pięć lat później Amerykanka powtórzyła wielki sukces razem z Mardym Fishem. Tym razem 33-latka z Palm Beach Gardens wystąpi wspólnie z Johnem Isnerem, który zastąpił kontuzjowanego Jacka Socka.
- Serena jest bardzo zadowolona, że w ostatniej chwili przydzielono jej tak mocnego partnera. Jest spragniona gry i jak zawsze chce dobrze zaprezentować się na korcie - dodał Kilderry.

Dla młodszej z sióstr Williams będzie to powrót do Perth po siedmiu latach. - Minęło już trochę czasu, od kiedy byłam tam po raz ostatni. Mam stamtąd wspaniałe wspomnienia, a do tego turniej ten zawsze był dla mnie dobrym przygotowaniem przed Australian Open. W Pucharze Hopmana jestem częścią drużyny i gram dla swojego kraju, starając się wygrać kolejne trofeum - wyznała liderka rankingu WTA.
Puchar Hopmana 2015 odbędzie się w dniach 4-10 stycznia, a Williams i Isner będą rywalizować w Grupie A razem z Czechami, Kanadą i Włochami. W Grupie B natomiast zagrają Australia, Francja, Wielka Brytania oraz Polska w składzie z Agnieszką Radwańską i Jerzym Janowiczem.

Serena Williams pomaga nie tylko dzieciom z ubogich rodzin. Liderka rankingu WTA wsparła akcję, której celem jest walka z przemocą z użyciem broni palnej na terytorium USA.
W ramach tej inicjatywy Fundacja Sereny Williams rozpoczęła współpracę z Fundacją Caliber. Celem tej organizacji jest pomoc ofiarom, ich rodzinom oraz lokalnym społecznościom, które zostały poszkodowane w wyniku przemocy z użyciem broni palnej.

Gdy ktoś umiera lub zostaje ranny w wyniku bezsensownej przemocy, często jest wiele ofiar. Oprócz osoby, której życie zostało utracone, są jeszcze dzieci, rodziny oraz wspólnoty lokalne, które pozostają z prawdziwą pustką w sercu - powiedziała najlepsza obecnie tenisistka świata.
Jessica Mindich, założycielka Fundacji Caliber, podziękowała liderce rankingu WTA za okazane wsparcie. - Współpraca z Fundacją Sereny Williams ma dla nas ogromne znaczenie. Sama Serena jest bardzo pozytywnym wzorem do naśladowania dla młodzieży amerykańskiej. Staramy się walczyć z przemocą i bólem związanym z użyciem nielegalnej broni. Serena i jej rodzina znają ten problem doskonale - stwierdziła Mindich.